The half-time break during the World Cup final extended to 27 minutes and 19 seconds due to a ‘Super Bowl-style’ performance, which delayed the match between Argentina and Spain.
Prior to the final, Fifa had guaranteed both teams that the half-time show, orchestrated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and featuring artists like Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Burna Boy, would last only 11 minutes. The overall expected break, including stage setup and teardown at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, was anticipated to be around 20 minutes.
In reality, the delay was significantly longer, further violating Fifa’s regulations. According to the laws established by Ifab (the International Football Association Board), half-time intervals should not exceed 15 minutes. Referee Slavko Vincic’s whistle signaled 27 minutes before the second half commenced.
The half-time show also featured appearances by Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, actor Jason Sudeikis from Ted Lasso, and even Muppets characters Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. On the BBC, former England captain Wayne Rooney critiqued the half-time entertainment as “crap.”
Last year’s Club World Cup final, also hosted by Fifa at the same New Jersey venue, set a precedent, featuring a 24-minute show with Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems, and Emmanuel Kelly.
In addition, the upcoming 2024 Copa America final featuring Argentina and Colombia in Miami is scheduled to include a performance from Shakira and has an expected duration of 25 minutes.
Experts warned that an extended half-time break could lead to an increased risk of injuries. Dr. Liam Harper, a senior lecturer in physiology at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Institute of Sport, noted that a longer break could result in a more significant drop in muscle temperature.
(Reuters)
(Reuters)
The World Cup final also started six minutes late, following a performance by Robbie Williams, the national anthem sung by Jennifer Hudson, a strange pre-game speech by actor Tom Cruise, and a pre-match hype by the Buffer brothers, Michael and Bruce.
In the climax, substitute Ferran Torres secured Spain’s second men’s World Cup title, while what might be Lionel Messi’s final match ended with Argentina suffering a 1-0 defeat in extra time.
Promoted as a high-stakes clash between South American and European champions, the match turned into a battle between defensive resilience and relentless attack, with the reigning champions displaying spirit but lacking in decisive action.
A struggling Argentina managed no shots in the first 90 minutes, reliant on goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to thwart Spain’s advances, including a crucial free-kick save from teenager Lamine Yamal.
Argentina’s situation deteriorated when Enzo Fernandez was sent off just before extra time due to a second yellow card, leaving Lionel Scaloni’s pallid side struggling against Luis de la Fuente’s polished team.
As Spain continued to press, Torres found the net early in the second period of extra time. Argentina’s attempts to equalize were fruitless as they appeared far from the squad that triumphed over England earlier in the week.
As the final whistle blew, tensions flared, igniting celebrations for Spain and likely marking the end of 39-year-old Messi’s illustrious World Cup journey.